Dialogue New Brunswick, in partnership with the Lieutenant-Governor of New Brunswick, presented the Lieutenant-Governor's Dialogue Award today during a ceremony at Old Government House. The Northrop Frye International Literary Festival, Alex Fancy and Bernard Imbeault received this prestigious award respectively in the community organizations/public institutions, individuals and businesses categories.
All three recipients were recognized for their outstanding efforts to promote understanding and respect between our province's two official linguistic communities. The Northrop Frye International Literary Festival promotes Canada's bilingual literary heritage by bringing together French and English authors from around the regions, across the country, and throughout the world. Through provincial tours with the Tintamarre theatre troup, Alex Fancy validates bilingualism and promotes inclusivity and fluency in French by use of gesture and drama. Bernard Imbeault is a business leader who, through his actions, demonstrates the character traits sought: understanding, innate respect and appreciation of the people of New Brunswick's Anglophone and Francophone communities.
Created by Dialogue New Brunswick in 2003, the Lieutenant-Governor's Dialogue Award recognizes those role models who champion the principles of harmony and respect between the province's Anglophone and Francophone communities. "The seeds of tolerance and understanding sown by this year's recipients will bear more fruit, as New Brunswick continues to move ahead in a world where technology and globalization force us to work more closely with people of other cultures, languages and backgrounds." said Herménégilde Chiasson, Lieutenant-Governor of New Brusnwick.
The recipients were selected by an independent, five-member jury. The name of each recipient was added to the plaque which is on permanent display with the Award at Old Government House. Each recipient received a signed certificate as amemento.
"The annual award ceremony is a unique event where the efforts of those who build bridges of understanding can be publicly recognized and celebrated," said Odette Snow, Francophone Co-chair of Dialogue New Brunswick.
Mr. Michel Carrier, Commissioner of Official Languages for New Brunswick, added that the Dialogue Award highlights the linguistic harmony which exists in New Brunswick. "We recognize not only those who choose to serve others in both official languages but also those who promote understanding and mutual appreciation between Anglophones and Francophones."
Dialogue New Brunswick is a not-for-profit organization that promotes understanding, respect and appreciation between English-speaking and French-speaking New Brunswickers. Dialogue New Brunswick sponsors programs such as "My Friend – Mon ami(e)" – a pen-pal program which twins Anglophone and Francophone classes at the same grade level, and One-day linguistic and cultural visits allowing pen-pals to explore New Brunswick's history and culture.
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